Industries Where Asbestos May Be a Hazard

Up until around the 1980s, the naturally-forming mineral asbestos was used to manufacture thousands of products. Companies thought they had struck gold with this material, for it was affordable, versatile, and suitable for various industries.

All of those things it may be, but no one banked on it also being one of the deadliest materials, either. It’s responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every year, along with a climbing death toll in New Zealand, as well.

This hidden danger is lurking in the background of some unlikely industries, which can make it harder for everyday workers to prepare for it. However, knowing the industries where asbestos may be a hazard can put you in a far better position to manage the risks.

Asbestos Product Manufacturing Facilities

One of the more obvious industries where asbestos may be a hazard is, of course, at an asbestos product manufacturing facility. Any worker who used to work in such a place, particularly with poor ventilation, would be put at risk of exposure.

Such conditions can lead to illnesses like cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. While these facilities no longer exist in New Zealand today, the long tail of asbestos exposure can see someone ill with asbestos-related conditions up to four decades after the exposure.

Chemical Plants

Even though asbestos wasn’t used in the manufacturing of chemicals, that’s not to say it wasn’t present. Often, asbestos was used as a form of insulation on pipes and equipment. Maintaining the equipment and being exposed to friable asbestos can mean the work environment was unsafe.

Abrasives Manufacturing Plants

Asbestos exposure was prevalent in manufacturing plants producing abrasives. Asbestos was often used as a heat insulator and friction generator. These abrasive materials were then moved onto other industries, like construction and automotive.

The Rail Industry

Because asbestos is an insulator and has fire-resistant properties, it was popular in the rail industry – and still is today. Trains not only used asbestos in their boilers, parts, and brake linings, but they were also used to ship asbestos materials, as well.

Even today, maintenance workers must take extra care when maintaining trains if the asbestos-containing materials are still present.

The Shipping Industry

Just like trains, ships featured large amounts of asbestos materials, as well. It was used in insulation and for fireproofing, alongside being used in the construction of vessels. Many deaths were connected to asbestos exposure on ships, such as “King of Cool” American actor Steve McQueen.  

Steve died of pleural mesothelioma, associated with asbestos exposure. He believes his exposure was related to removing asbestos lagging from pipes aboard a troopship during his time in the marines. He also isn’t the only famous person to have lost his life from asbestos exposure.

Sand Manufacturing Plants

Sand manufacturing requires a lot of high-end equipment. However, some early equipment, such as crushing machines, contained asbestos. As a result, this industry was one that presented a significant asbestos exposure risk.

Oil Refineries

Oil refineries require an exceptional level of care at the best of times. But perhaps even more when you know it’s one of the industries where asbestos may be a hazard. This hazardous material was used in fireproofing materials and insulators within boilers and pipes.

Power Plants

Because asbestos boasts some pretty impressive electrical insulating properties, it was used in many power plants. Fortunately, here in New Zealand, we’ve got clean, green, asbestos-free energy.

Construction Companies

Tens of thousands of homes in New Zealand were built using asbestos-containing materials. At the time, the builders thought nothing of it. Everything from asbestos cement to insulation, siding, and roofing materials posed a risk.

Today, Kiwis rely on licenced asbestos removal companies to help manage the risk and provide a safe environment for their families and visitors.

Mining Companies

Anyone mining for talc and vermiculite are put at significant risk due to the presence of asbestos. While there’s danger enough in these mines, imagine working in an actual asbestos mine? Uralasbest in Russia is one of the leading asbestos suppliers, which may be putting its workforce and citizens at great risk.

Paper Mills & Printing Companies

Paper can require a lot of high-tech equipment to produce, but who would have thought that this equipment would be dangerous? Many paper mills used to have machinery that featured asbestos in its insulating material.

Printing companies also made use of asbestos by using it as an insulator, fireproofing, and friction dissipator.

Picking up the Pieces

As you now probably realise, there are several industries where asbestos may be a hazard. While asbestos is not used in our manufacturing processes today, it’s still more commonplace than you might think.

Picking up the pieces are the many asbestos removal experts across New Zealand. If you suspect asbestos in your industry, then it might be time to contact an asbestos removal company who can identify it and help you put together a plan of action.